If you take a glass and fill it halfway to the top with water, do you see the glass as half-empty or half-full? Let’s say the glass represents life, and water illuminates the contents of life. So, if you view the glass as half empty you’re seen as a pessimist, focusing on what’s missing in your life. On the other hand, if you see the glass as half full you’re seen as an optimist because you center on the wonderful things in your life!
The glass filled halfway exemplifies how the same view, object, or experience differs depending on the eye of the beholder. The same situation can have completely opposing interpretations from one individual to the next, depending on their interpretation or perception of reality.
For instance, if two different people worked hard to lose 10 lbs. of fat in the gym, the pessimist or negative thinker would say “I only lost 10 lbs. so far and have a long way to go to lose the rest of the weight,” but the positive thinking optimist would say “I am so happy that I lost 10 lbs. so far and am so grateful for my progress and the physical ability to workout”!
The optimist will have a much better chance of completing their weight loss goals, whereas the pessimist may succumb to self-pity, allow instant gratification to get the best of them, cave to cravings, and sabotage their efforts. In addition, the positive thinker attracts positive energy from the Universe to assist them in their efforts while the negative thinker attracts the opposite.
Positive thinking should always be followed by positive conduct. You can have all the positive thoughts in the world, but if you don’t put action behind the intention, the plan will most likely never come to fruition. As you make a conscious effort to reach life’s goals, your attitude should reflect one of gratitude, even in the wake of unexpected pains and failures. This approach to life helps you build true character, attracts others in your direction, fosters healthy relationships, and eliminates needless perceived stress that slows down your progress in life and promotes physical ailments.
William James, an American philosopher, described how positive thoughts and behaviors produce positive results, “Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity. Successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something. Soon it becomes a reality. Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results.”
Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, teacher, and politician, comments on the power of determination. “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”
Robert F. Kennedy (J. F Kennedy’s brother and senator) describes it nicely, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can EVER achieve greatly.”
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